Pascal Ekeh is not your typical finance professional. With a background in law – years spent assessing risks and advising on financial misconduct at Deloitte Nigeria and a recent foray into the United States – he is poised to distinguish himself on a global stage. At BusinessDay, Wasiu Alli sat down with Pascal to learn more about his journey, his impact, and what’s next. Wasiu Alli writes.
“In Nigeria, professionals often work across multiple functions, which builds versatility.”
Pascal, you’ve had a fascinating journey, from law to consulting and now to finance. How did that evolution happen?
My journey across disciplines has been quite organic. As a child, I always wanted to be a lawyer and had the privilege of practising for a few years. My background in law provided a solid foundation for risk analysis, equipping me with the critical thinking and analytical rigour needed to evaluate complex financial and compliance-related issues, and I’m grateful for that. But over time, I realised I wanted to solve real-world financial problems more directly. That led me to switch to consulting. I was fortunate to work first with Deloitte, a reputable global consulting firm, which provided career acceleration and multiple avenues to apply myself. It wasn’t premeditated; the opportunity came, and I took a leap of faith. I am glad it worked out.
At Deloitte, I worked on risk assessments and financial crime/forensic audit engagements that exposed me to the inner workings of high-stakes corporate decision-making. Much of the work was reactive; we investigated issues after the damage had been done. My decision to pursue an MBA with a focus on finance was driven by a desire to move upstream, to help build systems that prevent failure in the first place.
What would you say is your biggest professional impact so far?
Helping organisations make smarter risk decisions through data-driven insights. At Deloitte, I led and contributed to engagements across industries: financial services, oil and gas, and the public sector, where I reviewed financial data, assessed systems, and recommended improvements.
While pursuing my MBA, I worked part-time as a technical market analyst with an innovation accelerator, appraising technologies for commercialisation. I helped evaluate their market viability and profitability.
Whether analysing multi-million dollar tech investments or providing advice to make financial systems more viable, I’ve consistently led with analytical clarity and ethical rigour. My goal is always to leave systems better than I found them.
What are the most complex financial or risk-related projects you’ve led or contributed to?
Many of the engagements I have worked on were complex in different ways, but one that stands out involved a cross-border forensic audit with elements of antitrust, corruption, and regulatory compliance. We collaborated with two law firms and international agencies.
The challenge wasn’t just the massive volume of data; it was also stakeholder management. Scheduling meetings across time zones and ensuring everyone stayed aligned required excellent project management. It taught me that technical accuracy is only half the work; managing people and processes is just as critical.
Can you share an example of a project where your analysis influenced a major decision or investment?
One was a forensic audit of a state-owned petroleum storage company in an African country. Allegations of widespread corruption and process breaches had triggered fuel shortages, harming businesses across the country.
I led the engagement from scoping key processes (finance, HR, payments, approvals) to conducting field reviews in the country to analysing years of financial data and interviewing key staff.
I uncovered systemic failures: collusion, negligence, and reliance on manual approvals and hardcopy files. I recommended a full operational overhaul of the financial systems, including digitisation, process redesign, and internal control reforms. That work directly informed government action and restored confidence in the system.
What’s your perspective on balancing innovation with financial risk in today’s market?
Innovation is no longer optional, especially with the rise of AI. But it must be pursued wisely. Organisations need robust risk identification and mitigation strategies alongside their innovation goals. It’s not about avoiding risk but managing it intentionally.
You’ve worked across Nigeria, the US, and the global African diaspora. How has that shaped your perspective?
It’s made me appreciate the richness and the gaps in global systems. In emerging markets like Nigeria, people solve complex problems with limited tools. In the US, specialisation is deeper, but cultural adaptability can be a challenge.
In Nigeria, professionals often work across multiple functions, which builds versatility. That broad exposure shaped me. But I’ve also learnt the value of deep, focused expertise in the US. I believe the future lies in blending both.
What are you currently working on?
I juI have just completed my MBA with a focus on finance and consulting. starting a new role in finance transformation at one of the Big 4 accounting firms in the US. It’s a role that aligns with everything I’ve done so far: driving risk-aware innovation and financial system improvements.
How do you plan to use the expertise you’ve gained to make an impact in both the U.S. and Nigerian markets?
I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I’m committed to continually building my skills to stay ahead of emerging trends and deliver greater impact in every role I take on. I see myself as a product of two dynamic but different markets. In the U.S., I intend to apply my experience to help organizations transform their risk and finance functions, especially as they navigate digital disruption and global expansion.
At the same time, I remain deeply committed to Nigeria. I want to contribute to building stronger financial systems and governance structures.
Any advice for people navigating career changes?
Learn and build credibility where you are, then stretch. Competence is portable. The key is to stay adaptable while mastering your craft.
